Dana Little, June 10, 2018
The grant program that provides up to $500 to eligible homeowners continues to to work to improve our pond’s health. Both Kristi Norcross and I volunteer to run the program which begins with a LakeSmart evaluation. In 2017 I visited eight homes and this year two homes so far. Of these evaluations, one received the distinction of being a LakeSmart property. In addition this property received $500 for its lake-friendly improvements. In the past we hired consultants to provide LakeSmart consults which cost us several thousand dollars in 2016. Since 2017 I have provided local expertise, with certification from the Maine Lakes Society, at no cost.
A LakeSmart property award is made when a homeowner designs their land so that it keeps the lake healthy. LakeSmart recommendations include preventing rain from directly entering the pond, planting a buffer along the shore, not cutting grass less than three inches, avoiding pesticides and fertilizers and reducing lawn sizes. No home is perfect but I can provide recommendations to improve and instructions on how to apply for a $500 grant to help make those improvements. I can also advise you on how to stay within the requirements of Maine’s shoreland zoning law and other regulations.
To find out more about a free LakeSmart evaluation and an opportunity to receive a $500 grant call Kristi Norcross at 577-6408. The basic requirements for receiving a grant include:
- An initial LakeSmart evaluation
- Make improvements as recommended in the written evaluation
- Provide proof of associated costs
- Not make changes to the property that would worsen its score and
- Finally to have a follow up evaluation done to ensure that the work has been done satisfactorily.